Test Results

Results of tests can only be given to the named patient or guardian if the patient is a child.

Blood test results are usually received within 1-2 days, although some specific tests are sent to other processing labs and can take longer (for example vitamin D, which usually takes around 2 weeks).

Urine/swab tests are usually back at the practice after one week or 10 days in some cases.

Results of ultrasound/CT/MRI scans are usually received after about 2 weeks; however, delays in reporting are not uncommon, so if in doubt you can check with a receptionist as to the wait you should expect.

You may telephone and obtain your test results after 10:30 (we ask as a matter of courtesy, as prior to this our lines will be busy with urgent appointment requests). If the doctor thinks you need to make an appointment following a blood test then a member of the reception team will telephone you. Please ensure that we have your up-to-date telephone contact number and address.

Our reception staff will convey the message that the doctor needs to see you. Usually this will be a normal, routine appointment and will not be urgent (the GP will state in their message to reception if the appointment is urgent; if they have not said it is urgent then you do not need to worry.).

In some cases, urgent results will be communicated back to you directly by your doctor.

Please do not ask the reception staff for information about your test result. They are not clinically trained and may inadvertently cause you undue worry. It is best for you to speak to or see your doctor (or the practice nurse if you are doing a blood test for the treatment room).

Blood Tests

A blood test is when a sample of blood is taken for testing in a laboratory. Blood tests have a wide range of uses and are one of the most common types of medical test. For example, a blood test can be used to:

Assess your general state of health

Confirm the presence of a bacterial or viral infection

See how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning

A blood test typically involves the phlebotomist taking a sample from a blood vessel in your arm, usually the inside of the elbow or wrist, where the veins are relatively close to the surface. Blood samples from children are most commonly taken from the back of the hand. The child's hand will be anaesthetised (numbed) with a special cream before the sample is taken.

You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Choices website.

X-Ray

An X-ray is a widely used diagnostic test to examine the inside of the body. X-rays are a very effective way of detecting problems with bones, such as fractures. They can also often identify problems with soft tissue, such as pneumonia or breast cancer.

If you have a X-ray, you will be asked to lie on a table or stand against a surface so that the part of your body being x-rayed is between the x-ray tube and the photographic plate.

An x-ray is usually carried out by a radiographer, a healthcare professional specialising in using imaging technology, such as x-ray and ultrasound scanners.

You can find out more about x-ray tests, how they are performed, their function and the risks by visiting the NHS Choices website.